Magnetic fastener for cargo retention

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method of using the apparatus and system may generally include a strap or retention device. A first end of a fastener is operatively coupled to the strap that is configured to retain a cargo contactingly adjacent a cargo support surface. A second end of the fastener is operatively coupled to the first end. The second end has an inner surface and an opposing, outer surface. The inner surface provides a recess feature configured to receive a magnet that is configured to support the second end adjacent a side of the cargo support surface. The inner surface provides a recess feature configured to receive a magnet that is configured to support the second end adjacent a side of the cargo support surface, wherein the side does not produce its own magnetic field.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/840,968 filed on Jun. 28, 2013, entitled “MAGNETIC FASTENER FORCARGO RETENTION,” the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toa magnetic fastener for a cargo retention system, apparatus and method.

In some embodiments, an apparatus may generally include a strap. Afastener is operatively coupled to the strap. The fastener includes amagnetic portion and a mechanical portion. A tightening member isoperatively coupled to the strap. The magnetic portion removably securesthe fastener contactingly adjacent a surface before operation of thetightening member. The mechanical portion removably secures the fastenercontactingly adjacent the surface after operation of the tighteningmember to tighten the strap in relation to the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a magnetic fastener for cargo retention inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of certain aspects of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays a close-up view of certain aspects of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of certain aspects of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 demonstrates certain aspects of a magnetic fastener for cargoretention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 shows certain aspects of a magnetic fastener for cargo retentionin accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a flow chart for a method of using MAGNETIC FASTENER FORCARGO RETENTION in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of certain aspects of a magnetic fastener forcargo retention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further side view of certain aspects of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 displays an exploded perspective view of certain aspects of FIG.8.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic fastener for cargoretention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12A demonstrates an exploded perspective view of certain aspects ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 12B demonstrates an exploded perspective view of another embodimentof certain aspects of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a magnetic fastener for cargoretention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of certain aspects ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 15 displays a perspective view of a magnetic fastener for cargoretention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative perspective view of certain aspectsof FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 demonstrates an exploded perspective view of certain aspects ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative exploded perspective view of certainaspects of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 illustrates a plan view of certain aspects of FIG. 15

FIG. 20 displays a section view of certain aspects of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial plan view of certain aspects of FIG. 15.

FIG. 22 demonstrates a partial side view of certain aspects of FIG. 15.

FIG. 23 shows an end view of certain aspects of FIG. 15.

FIG. 24 illustrates a section view of certain aspects of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a magnetic fastener for acargo retention apparatus, system and method to secure a cargo to acargo support surface. The cargo may be a shipping container, vehicle,payload, etc. Further, the cargo may be conveyed in a transportationdevice, such as a ship, airplane or vehicle. The cargo may be secured toa structure not designed to easily move, such as a relatively immobilewarehouse shelf.

A cargo retention device, also known herein as a tie-down strap orsimply strap, may be removably attachable to the cargo support surface,so that the tie-down strap can be used with different cargo supportsurfaces without destruction of the tie-down strap when moved from onecargo support surface to another support cargo support surface. Anoperator may wish to have an efficient way to apply the tie-down strapto the cargo support structure to secure or restrain the cargo.

These and other features and benefits of the present disclosure can beunderstood beginning with a review of FIG. 1 that depicts a magneticfastener for a cargo retention system 100. The magnetic fastener for acargo retention system 100 may be used in conjunction with atransportation device 102, such as a vehicle, by way of concrete examplebut not by way of limitation. Of course, the magnetic fastener for acargo retention system 100 may be used with relatively immobile or evenstationary structure, also.

The magnetic fastener for the cargo retention system 100 may incorporatea number of elements including a cargo support surface 104. The cargosupport surface 104 may include a first side 106 and an opposing secondside 108. A cargo 110 can be secured to the cargo support surface 104 byremovable attachment of a strap 112. One or more cargo 110 may besecured to the cargo support surface 104. The strap 112 is made of anysuitable flexible material, such as polymer, cloth, rope, etc. One ormore straps 112 may be used to secure the cargo 110 to the cargo supportsurface 104.

The strap 112 has a first end 114 and a second end 116. Further, thestrap 112 has a first fastener 118 and a second fastener 120. Theplurality of fasteners may be more than 2. The first fastener 118 andthe second fastener 120 may be attached to the first end 114 and thesecond end 116, respectively. Alternatively, the first fastener 118 orthe second fastener 120 or both may be attached to the strap 112 atlocations other than the end of the strap 112.

The first fastener 118 may be attached to first side 106 of the cargosupport surface 104, and then the second fastener 120 and the strap 112are thrown, tossed or otherwise delivered to the opposing second side108 of the cargo support surface 104. Typically, the cargo 110 willalready be on the cargo support surface 104 when the second fastener 120is thrown to the opposing second side 108, but the cargo 110 may beplaced on the cargo support surface 104 after the second fastener 120 isthrown to the opposing second side 108.

FIG. 2 shows the strap 112 in more detail. The first end 114 and thesecond end 116 may each include a loop 122, or other suitable structure,to retain the first fastener 118 and the second fastener 120,respectively. The strap 112 may be adapted to restrain a cargo 110 on atransportation device 102, such as the ship, the plane, the vehicle.

When the strap 112 is put in operation, there is likely to be some slackin the strap 112. With too much slack in the strap 112, the cargo 110(see FIG. 1) may not be properly restrained by the strap 112. Slack maybe removed from the strap 112 by any suitable manner. A skilled artisanwould understand that a common method to remove slack from the strap 112is a tightening member 124. The tightening member 124 may secure thecargo 110 contactingly adjacent the cargo support surface 104.

The tightening member 124 may be configured to apply tension to thestrap 112. One such tightening member could be a ratchet mechanism,which is a mechanical device that allows continuous linear or rotarymotion in a first direction while preventing motion in an opposingsecond direction. The ratchet mechanism may be releasable to permitmotion in the opposing second direction. A ratchet mechanism is just oneof several tightening members that can be used to remove slack in thestrap 112 and are contemplated. For example, the tightening member 124may be a winch assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the first fastener 118,which could also be an exemplary embodiment for the second fastener 120.The first fastener 118 may provide a mechanical portion 126 and amagnetic portion 128. The strap 112 may capture the first fastener 118with a loop 122 that passes through an aperture 130 of the firstfastener 118.

The mechanical portion 126 is configured for engagement with the firstside 106 of the cargo support surface 104. When the strap 112 istightened, or cinched, into position to remove slack from the strap 112,the mechanical portion 126 engages a cargo support surface 104, or somefeature connected to the cargo support surface, to secure the cargo 110(see FIG. 1).

The magnetic portion 128 may be separate from the mechanical portion 126or may be integral to the mechanical portion 126 as shown in FIG. 4. Themagnetic portion 128 may serve to engage the cargo support surface 104when the first fastener 118 engages the cargo support surface 104. Themechanical portion 126 may not be able to maintain the engagement of thefirst fastener 118 with the cargo support surface 104 when the strap 112is thrown such that the second fastener 120 may be brought intoengagement with the cargo support surface 104. Of course, the mechanicalportion 126 may alternatively be able to maintain the engagement of thefirst fastener 118 with the cargo support surface 104 when the strap 112is thrown.

The magnetic portion 128 may only supply a magnet with a magnetic fieldthat is strong enough to support engagement of the first fastener 118with the cargo support surface 104 during the time the strap 112 isthrown. The magnetic portion 128 may not supply a magnet with a magneticfield that is strong enough to supplement the mechanical portion 126when the strap 112 secures the cargo 110 against the cargo supportsurface 104. Alternatively, the magnetic portion 128 may supply a magnetwith a magnetic field that effectively supplements the mechanicalportion 126 when the strap 112 secures the cargo 110 against the cargosupport surface 104.

The mechanical portion 126 may fail to secure the first fastener 118contactingly adjacent the cargo support surface 104 before operation ofthe tightening member 124. Further, the magnetic portion 128 may fail tosecure the first fastener 118 contactingly adjacent the cargo supportsurface 104 after operation of the tightening member 124.

For example, FIG. 3 shows a configuration where the magnetic portion 128is at a mechanical disadvantage such that the magnetic portion 128 maybe pulled away from engagement with the cargo support surface 104 whenthe strap 112 is tightened around the cargo 110. On the other hand, FIG.4 shows a configuration where the magnetic portion 128 is at amechanical advantage such that the magnetic portion 128 may be pulledinto further engagement with the cargo support surface 104 when thestrap is tightened around the cargo 110. One skilled in the art canenvision further embodiments, which would be in keeping with the spiritof the present disclosure.

The skilled artisan will understand the standard convention that Nstands for the north pole and S stands for the south pole for themagnetic portion 128 shown in FIGS. 3-4. Of course the north pole andsouth pole could be reversed in orientation in the magnetic portion 128.

FIG. 5 demonstrates that the magnetic portion 128 may be achievedthrough use of one or more magnets. A magnet is an object that producesa magnetic field. A permanent magnet is an object made from a materialthat is magnetized and creates its own persistent magnetic field. Apermanent magnet retains its magnetism and does not lose its magneticfield. Permanent magnets can be made from substances like naturallyoccurring mineral, e.g., magnetite (Fe₃O₄), or synthetic substance,e.g., neodymium. Ferromagnetic materials are materials that can bemagnetized to form permanent magnets. Exemplary ferromagnetic materialsinclude iron, nickel, cobalt, and rare Earth materials.

In addition, the magnet can be an electromagnet, which is a device thatacts as a magnet when an electric current passes through the device butstops acting as a magnet when the electric current stops passing throughthe device. The electromagnet needs an energy source 132. The energysource 132 could be a battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable), powertakeoff (PTO) from the transportation device, etc.

The magnetic portion 128 may be ferromagnetic. In addition, the magneticportion 128 may be an electromagnet. Further, the magnetic portion 128may be a permanent magnet. The mechanical portion 126 may itself bemagnetic.

The cargo support surface may be made of material that may be responsiveto magnetic fields produced by the magnetic portion. For example, thecargo support surface may be made of ferromagnetic material, such asiron or steel. The cargo support surface may or may not be made ofmaterial that produces its own magnetic fields.

FIG. 6 illustrates the magnetic portions 128 may not only function whenthe strap 112 is in secure relationship to the cargo support surface 104(see FIG. 1). The magnetic portions 128 may help organize the firstfastener 118 and the second fastener 120 by letting the fasteners bestacked together, such as during storage of the strap 112 when the strap112 is not in use retaining the cargo 110. Other configurations of themagnetic portions 128 of course are possible and in keeping with thespirit of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the magnetic fastener for cargo retention system100 may include several elements. The elements may include atransportation device 102. Further, the magnetic fastener for cargoretention system 100 may include the strap 112 configured for removableattachment to the transportation device 102. In addition, the magneticfastener for cargo retention system 100 may include the first fastener118 operatively coupled to the strap 112. Furthermore, the magneticfastener for cargo retention system 100 may include the first fastener118 that has a magnetic-mechanical portion, or the mechanical portion126 and the magnetic portion 128. The magnetic-mechanical portion can beconsidered the mechanical portion 126 that is magnetic. Further, themagnetic fastener for cargo retention system 100 may include the secondfastener 120 operatively coupled to the strap 112. The second fastenermay have the mechanical portion 126. Furthermore, the magnetic fastenerfor cargo retention system 100 may include a tightening member 124operatively coupled to the strap 112. The first fastener 118 mayremovably secure, by magnetic or mechanical interactions or combinationof both magnetic and mechanical interactions, the strap 112 to thetransportation device 102 before operation of the tightening member 124.The second fastener 120 may removably secure, by mechanicalinteractions, the strap 112 to the transportation device 102 afteroperation of the tightening member 124 tightens the strap 112 inrelation to the transportation device 102.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart for demonstrating a method of using MAGNETICFASTENER FOR CARGO RETENTION. The method begins at step 200.

At step 202, the first fastener (such as the first fastener 118 inFIG. 1) is secured in relation to the cargo support surface (such as thecargo support surface 104 in FIG. 1) adjacent the first side. The secureengagement of the first fastener to the cargo support surface isachieved through use of the magnetic portion (such as the magneticportion 128 in FIGS. 3-4) of the first fastener. The secure engagementof the first fastener to the cargo support surface may be supplementedthrough use of the mechanical portion (such as the mechanical portion126 in FIGS. 3-4) of the fastener.

At step 204, the strap (such as the strap 112 in FIG. 1) is thrownacross the cargo support surface. By throwing the strap across the cargosupport surface, the second fastener (such as the second fastener 120 inFIG. 1) is brought closer to the opposing second side (such as theopposing second side 108 in FIG. 1) of the cargo support surface. Duringthis throwing step and continuing until the strap secures a cargo (suchas the cargo 110 in FIG. 1) against the cargo support surface, themagnetic portion helps maintain the first fastener in secure engagementwith the cargo support surface. This secure engagement may reduce thenumber of times that the operator needs to secure the first fastener andthrow the strap, because the first fastener is less likely to disengagethe cargo support surface. This secure engagement may be performed moreefficiently through use of the magnetic fastener for cargo retention.

At step 206, the second fastener is brought into engagement with thecargo support surface. The second fastener may or may not have themagnetic portion to help maintain engagement of the second fastener withthe cargo support structure.

At step 208, the tightening member (such as the tightening member 124 inFIG. 2) is operated to effectively remove slack from the strap 112. Inremoving the slack from the strap, the cargo is secured and retainedadjacent the cargo support surface. With the cargo retained adjacent thecargo support surface, the magnetic portions may or may not supplementthe mechanical portions to maintain the first fastener and the secondfastener in secure engagement with the cargo support surface.

At step 210, the cargo is retained by the strap against the cargosupport surface and the method ends.

Further embodiments of the magnetic fastener for cargo retention system100 are contemplated and may be used in accordance with the method ofusing magnetic fastener for cargo retention.

FIGS. 8-10 show various views of a magnetic fastener for cargo retentionin accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Afastener 134 is made from steel, aluminum, polymer, or other suitablematerial. The fastener 134 may be formed by any suitable technique,including, but not limited to stamping, bending, casting, machining,injection molding, and/or die casting. The fastener 134 may be treatedto be corrosion resistant, and may include a suitable protectivecovering, such as, but not limited to plating, painting, anodizing,epoxy coating, and/or powder coating.

The fastener 134 has a strap retention portion 136 and a hook portion138. The strap retention portion 136 provides an aperture 140 isconfigured to retain the strap 112 used to secure the cargo 110 when thefastener 134 engages the cargo support surface 104 (see FIG. 1). A gap142 between a first end 144 and a central body 146 of the fastener 134may be minimized to reduce the chance that the strap 112 will no longerbe retained.

At the opposing, second end 148 of the fastener 134, the hook portion138 may be further subdivided into 3 portions: an extension portion 150,a stop portion 152, and a retainer portion 154. The extension portion150 may be formed integral with the central body 146, and the extensionportion 150 extends from the central body 146. The extension portion 150may be substantially parallel to a long axis 156 of the fastener 134,although other orientations are contemplated. The stop portion 152 maybe formed integral with the extension portion 150. The stop portion 152may be configured to contactingly engage the cargo support surface 104when the fastener 134 is attached to the cargo support surface 104. Thestop portion 152 may be substantially perpendicular to the long axis 156of the fastener 134, although other orientations are contemplated. Theretainer portion 154 may be formed integral with the stop portion 152.The retainer portion 152 may be substantially parallel to the extensionportion 150, although other orientations are contemplated. An openchannel 158, which has a generally U-shaped cross-section, may be formedby the extension portion 150, the stop portion 152, and the retainerportion 154.

The retainer portion 154 has a recess feature 160 that may be formed bymachining a portion of the material away from the rod used to form thefastener 134, or the recess feature 160 may be formed when casting thefastener 134. Other production techniques are contemplated.

The recess feature 160 is configured to receive a magnet 162. The magnet162 may be a permanent magnet or other suitable magnet disclosed. Themagnet 162 is secured in the recess feature 160 in any suitable manner,such as, but not limited to, a snap-in configuration, adhesive bonding,molding or mechanical fastener (e.g., rivet, screw, etc.). The magnet162 may be secured in the recess feature 162 such that the magnet 162remains within the confines of the volume defined by the rod of thefastener 134. By staying within the volume, the magnet 162 is lesslikely to be pulled off the fastener 134 or out of the recess feature160 during use.

Using a permanent magnet in the fastener 134 may increase the effectiveworking magnetic lifespan of the fastener 134 in comparison tomagnetizing the fastener 134. For example, the fastener 134 may comprisea ferromagnetic material that does not produce a magnetic field. Theferromagnetic material could be magnetized to produce a magnetic field.However, the magnetic field produced by the magnetized ferromagneticmaterial may not last as long as a permanent magnet. Or morepractically, the magnetic field produced by the magnetized ferromagneticmaterial may not last a long as the strap 112 to which the fastener 134is coupled. By using a permanent magnet, the effective working lifespanof the fastener 134 for cargo retention system may be increased.

The recess feature 16) may be viewed as being on an inner side (alsoknown as inner surface) 164 of the hook portion 138. An outer side (alsoknown as outer surface) 166 of the hook portion 138 is opposite theinner side 164. By positioning the recess feature 160 on the innersurface 164, the magnet 162 will be more closely adjacent, and possiblyeven contactingly adjacent, the cargo support surface 104 when thefastener 134 is in use. By being closely adjacent the cargo supportsurface 164, the magnet 162 is positioned to better hold the fastener134 securely adjacent the cargo support surface 104, such that the strap112 may be more effective in securing the cargo 110 adjacent the cargosupport surface 164. Any suitable dimensions may be used for thefastener 134.

A variety of magnets may be used for the magnet 162 in this embodimentand the other embodiments of the present disclosure. The magnet may havea magnetic pull force of about 4 pounds to about 12 pounds. The magnetmay have a magnetic pull force of about 8 pounds. The magnet may includea pair of magnets, and the magnetic pull force of each magnet in thepair of magnets may be about 8 pounds to about 12 pounds. The magnet mayinclude a pair of magnets, and each magnet in the pair of magnets mayhave a magnetic pull force of about 12 pounds.

The following examples were developed using magnets obtained from anonline reseller, Applied Magnets, but other sources exist.

Example 1: N45 Rare Earth Magnets 0.5″×0.25″× 1/16″ neodymium block. The½ inch length was a little short to substantially cover a fill verticalportion, i.e., the retainer portion, of the hook portion of a lengthchosen for certain embodiments of the fastener. However, the depth of1/16″ was good, because the recess feature could be smaller than mightbe possible with other magnets tested. The smaller size of the recessfeature could reduce material waste and manufacturing time, andfasteners with thicker rod material that may be sturdier in comparisonwith other fasteners that have material removed with a deeper recessfeature. The strength of the magnetic pull force was not adequate forcertain situations.

Example 2: neodymium magnet N45 2″×0.25″×0.25″ in rare Earth block. Thestrength of the magnetic pull force was adequate for certain situationsin which the fastener might be used. However, the 2 inch length was toolong and the 0.25″ depth was too deep for certain situations. Thedimensions of the fastener might have to be increased from the exemplarydimensions given hereinabove to use this magnet.

Example 3: N48 neodymium magnet 1″×0.25″×0.125″ block. This magnet hadthe best overall dimensions and characteristics to suit certainsituations in which the fastener might be used. The length of 1 inch wasadequate to substantially cover a full vertical portion, i.e., theretainer portion, of the hook portion of a length chosen for certainembodiments of the fatstener. The strength of the magnetic pull force isabout 8 pounds, which held the fastener in place with great success. Thedepth of 0.125″ allowed for only a little of the material to be removedfrom the body of the hook portion. By removing only a small amount ofmaterial from the hook portion, there may be minimal loss of strength inthe hook portion, and the fastener overall.

Example 4: neodymium magnet N42 bar 0.5″×0.125″× 1/16″. The ½ inchlength was a little short to substantially cover a full verticalportion, i.e., the retainer portion, of the hook portion of a lengthchosen for certain embodiments of the fastener. However, the depth of1/16″ was good, because the recess feature could be smaller than mightbe possible with other magnets tested. The smaller size of the recessfeature could reduce material waste and manufacturing time, andfasteners with thicker rod material that may be sturdier in comparisonwith other fasteners that have material removed with a deeper recessfeature. However, the width of 0.125″ was too narrow for certainsituations, which caused gaps on both sides of the hook when the magnetwas in place. The strength of the magnetic pull force might not adequatefor certain situations.

Example 5: neodymium magnet N45 block 1″×0.25″×0.25″. The depth of 0.25″was too much for certain embodiments of the fastener, as the depth of0.25″ required removal of too much material from the bar, which mightnot be adequate for certain situations. The dimensions of the fastenermight have to be increased from the exemplary dimensions givenhereinabove. The strength of the magnetic pull force was more thanadequate for certain situations in which the fastener might be used.

Example 6: N45 rare Earth magnet 1″×0.25″ by 1/16″ in neodymium bar. Thelength of 1 inch was adequate to substantially cover a full verticalportion, i.e., the retainer portion, of the hook portion of a lengthchosen for certain embodiments of the fastener. The depth of 1/16″ wasgood, because the recess feature could be smaller than might be possiblewith other magnets tested. The smaller size of the recess feature couldreduce material waste and manufacturing time, and fasteners with thickerrod material that may be sturdier in comparison with other fastenersthat have material removed with a deeper recess feature. The strength ofthe magnetic pull force was not adequate for certain situations in whichthe fastener might be used.

FIGS. 11-12B illustrate several views of a magnetic fastener for cargoretention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Circular magnets 200 or a bar magnet 202 may be used in ahousing 204 that is attached to a fastener 206. The magnet 162 in thehousing 204 may be flush with a surface 208 of the housing 204. By beingflush with the surface 208 of the housing 204, the magnet is less likelyto catch on another object during use. By not catching on another objectduring use, the magnet is more likely to stay in place in the housing204 and on the fastener 206. The magnet is held in position in therecess feature 160 during use of the fastener 206. The magnet may beheld in position by epoxy, molding, etc. The housing 204 may be attachedby friction fit, epoxy, mechanical fastener, or other suitable means. Along axis of the housing 204 may be substantially perpendicular to along axis of the fastener 206 The housing 204 may be made of metal,polymer or other suitable material.

FIGS. 13-14 show several views of a magnetic fastener for cargoretention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The housing 204 provides an aperture 210 coincident with along axis of the housing 204. The housing 204 may be slipped intoposition on the retainer portion 154 of the fastener 206. A bar magnetis shown; however, one or more circular magnets may be used as withother embodiments of the present disclosure. A long axis of the barmagnet or a plurality of circular magnets may be substantially parallelto a length dimension of the retainer portion 154 of the fastener 206.

FIGS. 15-24 display several views of a magnetic fastener for cargoretention in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. This fastener 206 may be considered to have a double rodformation. The magnet may be one or more circular magnets or a barmagnet positioned between the rod formed in the double rod formation.The magnet may be supported in a housing 204 such that the magnet may besubstantially flush with a surface of the housing 204. In this case, themagnet is held in position within the recess feature of the housing 204.A support structure 212 may be disposed between the rod formed in thedouble rod formation to provide additional strength and stability. Thesupport structure 212 may be made of metal, polymer, or other suitablematerial.

By placing the housing 204 between the first end and the second end ofthe fastener 206, the aperture is closed for the strap to be retained.In addition, the production costs are lowered, because the fastener 204does not need to be processed to remove material from the bar that maybe bent into the double rod formation. Further, the double rod formationis not weakened by removal of material from the rod. By supplying thesupport structure 212 opposite the housing, the double rod formationdoes not need additional bends that would otherwise be necessary tobring the double rods adjacent, even contactingly adjacent, toaccommodate the housing 204 between the double rods.

The angle between the extension portion and the retainer portion of theembodiment may be about 20° to about 25°. The angle between theextension portion and the retainer portion of the embodiment is about22°.

In certain embodiments the method of using the method of the presentdisclosure may include providing the strap 112 having a magneticfastener 128 and a mechanical fastener 126. The magnetic fastener 128may be magnetically coupled to the first side 106 of the cargo retentionsurface 104. The strap 112 is thrown across the cargo retention surface104 towards the opposing second side 108 of the cargo retention surface104 while the strap 112 remains magnetically coupled to the first side106. The mechanical fastener 126 is mechanically coupled to the opposingsecond side 108 of the cargo support surface 104. A portion of the strap112 between the magnetic fastener 128 and the mechanical fastener 126 isshortened. The shortening is achieved by operation of the tighteningmember 124.

It will be appreciated that the technology described above can readilybe utilized in any number of applications, including the transportationdevice. It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristicsof various embodiments of the present disclosure have been set forth inthe foregoing description, together with details of the structure andfunction of various embodiments, this detailed description isillustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially inmatters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles ofthe present technology to the full extent indicated by the broad generalmeaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. Forexample, the particular elements may vary depending on the particularapplication without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cargo retention device comprising: a strapretention portion; a strap retained in the strap retention portion; ahook portion coupled to the strap retention portion, the hook portionhas an inner surface and an opposing, outer surface, wherein the innersurface is inside a generally U-shape of the hook portion; a recessfeature is disposed on the inner surface, wherein the recess feature isdisposed within a volume defined by a rod that forms the hook portion;and a magnet is secured within the recess feature.
 2. The cargoretention device of claim 1, wherein the recess feature is disposed atan end of the hook portion.
 3. The cargo retention device of claim 1,wherein the hook portion comprises: an extension portion that extendsdistally from the strap retention portion; a stop portion that extendsdistally from the extension portion; and a retainer portion that extendsdistally from the stop portion, and the recess feature is disposed onthe retainer portion.
 4. The cargo retention device of claim 3, whereinthe stop portion is curved.
 5. The cargo retention device of claim 3,wherein the magnet is secured at a distal boundary of the retainerportion.
 6. The cargo retention device of claim 1, wherein the recessfeature is formed by machining a portion of material away from the rod.7. The cargo retention device of claim 1, wherein the recess feature isformed when casting the rod.